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Boston College

Chestnut Hill, MA

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Αἰὲν ἀριστεύειν (Greek)("Ever to Excel")

Wikipedia
1863
Founded
Private research university
Type
9,865
Total Students
9,654
Undergrad
5,072
Graduate
$3.8B
Endowment
(2024)
$68K
Tuition (In-State)
$68K
Tuition (Out-State)
$40K
Avg Net Price
16%
Acceptance Rate
91%
Graduation Rate
6-year
95%
Retention Rate
Doctoral Universities
Classification
President: William P. Leahy

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Boston College

Boston College: Ever to Excel in Jesuit Academics and Athletic Glory.

Boston College, a distinguished private Catholic Jesuit research university nestled in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, stands as a beacon of academic excellence and spiritual growth. Founded in 1863 by the Society of Jesus, BC has consistently upheld its motto, "Αἰὲν ἀριστεύειν" ("Ever to Excel"), blending rigorous scholarship with a commitment to service and personal development. Its iconic main campus, renowned for its stunning collegiate gothic architecture, offers a picturesque and inspiring environment just six miles west of bustling downtown Boston.

Academically, Boston College is recognized as a "Research 1: Very High Research Spending and Doctorate Production" university, a testament to its vibrant intellectual landscape. The university offers a comprehensive range of bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees across its nine colleges and schools. Rooted in the Jesuit Ratio Studiorum, BC's curriculum traditionally emphasizes a holistic education, strong in humanities like Latin, Greek, philosophy, and theology, preparing students not just for careers, but for lives of purpose and impact.

The university's rich history began with a mission to provide education for the Irish Catholic immigrant population in Boston. From its early days in the city's South End, Boston College expanded and moved to its present Chestnut Hill location in 1907, cultivating a unique sense of community and tradition. Beyond academics, BC boasts a formidable athletic presence as the Eagles, competing in NCAA Division I as members of the Atlantic Coast Conference, with its men's ice hockey team celebrating an impressive five national championships.

With an endowment of $3.8 billion and a diverse student body of over 15,234, Boston College attracts talent from across the globe. Its alumni network is a testament to its enduring influence, featuring an impressive roster of Rhodes, Truman, and Fulbright scholars, alongside governors, ambassadors, members of Congress, acclaimed writers, medical researchers, Hollywood actors, and professional athletes, all embodying the spirit of "Ever to Excel." Prospective students will find a challenging yet supportive environment where intellectual curiosity and ethical leadership are deeply valued.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1863 by the Society of Jesus, a private Catholic Jesuit research university.
  • Classified as a "Research 1: Very High Research Spending and Doctorate Production" university.
  • Boasts an impressive endowment of $3.8 billion.
  • Home to a vibrant student body of over 15,234 individuals.
  • The men's ice hockey team has clinched five national championships.
  • Alumni include three Rhodes, 22 Truman, and 171 Fulbright scholars, alongside leaders in various fields.
  • Main campus in Chestnut Hill is a historic district known for its collegiate gothic architecture.

Timeline

1857
Land purchased for "The Boston College" in Boston's South End.
1863
Granted a university charter by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on April 1.
1864
Collegiate instruction program launched under first President John Bapst on September 5.
1907
Most of the campus moved to its present Chestnut Hill location.
1927
Boston College High School became separately incorporated.
🏛️
163 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

via Wikipedia
David Quigley
Provost

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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